SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 18, 2022 – Snohomish County’s Office of Recovery and Resilience (ORR) will be hosting one in-person pandemic recovery event in each of the County’s districts this summer to connect attendees with County and community-based resources and services. Attendees will also be able to vote on recovery investment priorities that will guide county decision-making and discuss top-voted issues.
The events will take place from May to June and will be informed by local officials and key partners across major recovery issue areas, such as human services and economic development.
Established last summer by Executive Dave Somers and County Council, the ORR’s mission is to guide the County’s recovery from the pandemic. Its primary responsibility is to oversee the allocation of the $160 million worth of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the County is set to receive. By hosting these in-person meetings, the ORR and County leaders are demonstrating their commitment to ensuring federal funding goes where it’s needed most.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Snohomish County communities have come together to do what’s best for all of us: We’ve gotten vaccinated, tested, and rallied around our front-line workers and small businesses. Our collective recovery should be no different – we have to do it together,” said Executive Somers.
“That’s why the county and partners are embarking on this extensive outreach and engagement effort. We want to hear directly from our residents and businesses on what recovery means to them. Our goal is to ensure we make smart and sustainable investments that are responsive to community needs, with a focus on people most impacted by the pandemic.”
The ORR has been actively strategizing recovery in the county since its inception. As the County received the first $80 million half of the ARPA funds last year, the ORR has already helped the County Council allocate the funds into four main areas: Community Support, Economic & Workforce, Public Health, and Reserves & Operations.
In-person pandemic recovery events
Each recovery event will have three parts, according to the County’s press release. The events will begin with “resource tables where attendees can connect directly with Snohomish County and community-based services and resources.”
Organizations such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, planning and Development Services, and Volunteers of America Western Washington will participate in these resource tables.
The events will also host a voting session where attendees can voice their top three priorities for recovery investment to inform the County’s decision-making. After the top three priorities of each district have been identified, the event will facilitate a “deep-dive discussion on the top-voted issues” to begin developing potential solutions and programs.
The events are free and open to the public and provide an opportunity for residents to connect directly with elected officials on issues relating to pandemic recovery, and attendees are not required to stay for the entire event to participate.
District Four Recovery Event Date & Time: Wednesday, May 25; doors open at 6 p.m., event ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Mountlake Terrace City Hall, 23204 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
- Cities: Bothell, Brier, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace
- More information & RSVP: www.snohomishcountywa.gov/recovery
District Three Recovery Meeting Date & Time: Thursday, June 2; doors open at 6 p.m., event ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Lynnwood Library – Sno-Isle Libraries; 19200 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
- Cities: Edmonds, Lynnwood, Woodway
- More information & RSVP: www.snohomishcountywa.gov/recovery
District Five Recovery Event Date & Time: Thursday, June 9; doors open at 6 p.m., event ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: 4H Building #501, Evergreen State Fair Park, 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272
- Cities: Gold Bar, Index, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Snohomish, Sultan
- More information & RSVP: www.snohomishcountywa.gov/recovery
District Two Recovery Event Date & Time: Wednesday, June 15; doors open at 6 p.m., event ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Public Meeting Room 1 & Plaza, Snohomish County Campus, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
- Cities & Tribes: Everett, Mukilteo, Tulalip Tribes
- More information & RSVP: www.snohomishcountywa.gov/recovery
District One Recovery Event Date & Time: Thursday, June 23; doors open at 6 p.m., event ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Byrnes Performing Arts Center; 8821 Crown Ridge Blvd, Arlington, WA 98223
- Cities & Tribes: Arlington, Darrington, Granite Falls, Marysville, Stanwood, Sauk-Suiattle Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe
- More information & RSVP: www.snohomishcountywa.gov/recovery
To read more about the ORR’s mission and activity, click here.
Author: Bo John Brusco
